Davit



C. W. DOHN 13st. 24, E956 DAVIT 4 Sheets-Sheet 2.

Filed Oct. 5, 1946 IN VENTOR.

ATTU R N EYE Oct. 24, 1950 c. w. DOHN DAVIT 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed 001;. 5, 1946 i N VIP-N TOR.

CHARLES W. DOHN Oct. 24, 1950 c. w. DOHN DAVIT 4 Sheets-Sheet 3 Filed Oct. 3, 1946 INVENTOR. CHARLES W. DoHN ATTORNEYS Oct. 24, 1950 c. w. DOHN 2,527,060

' DAVIT Filed Oct. 3, 1946 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 INVENTOR. CHARLES M OOH/v- ATTORNEYS Patented Oct. 24, 1950 UNITED TATES 2 Claims; 1

My present invention relates to an improved davit and more particularly to the davit used to support and launch, life boats or other boats from ships. 3

The principal object of my invention is the pro-' vision of protected launching of life boats through side ports of a ship, the longitudinal axis of-the lifeboat being parallel to the longitudinal axis of the ship at all times, and the motion of; travel being in a direction perpendicular to the axis o the ship.

In the accompanying drawings I have illustrated one complete example of the physical embodiment of my invention according to the best mode I have thus far devised but it will be understood that various changes and alterations may be made in the exemplified structure within the scope of the appended claims.

In the drawings- Figure 1 is a perspective view of the structure of my invention showing a portion of the ships hull.

Figure 2is a side elevational view of part of the ship showing the launching port for the passage of the boat.

Figure 3 is an end elevational view of the launching mechanism.

Figures 4, 5, and 6 show a modified form of the launching mechanism wherein the boat is hung either below or flush with the boat deck, the operating structure being similar.

Referring now to the drawings wherein like characters indicate like parts, I have illustrated a portion of a ships hull at 2 and fashioned therein is an elongated observation window 4. In the ships hull below the window I have provided a substantially rectangular port 6 through which the life boat is adapted to be passed as it is launched.

A promenade deck 8 is carried by supports I and a rail H is provided for safety. The boat deck [2 is above the promenade deck 8 and is carried by supports [4. A rail l6 formed with gates l8 follows the outer contour of the deck and the gates provide access to the lifeboat.

The launching mechanism for the boat comprises the spaced inclined tracks 20 leading from the upper deck to the lower deck and on these tracks I have mounted davits or hangers 22 the lower portions of which extend downwardly as at 23 to travel between the spaced pairs of tracks. Wheels 24 journaled on the davits run on the tracks, and the hooks 26 on the lifeboat 28 provide hanging means for the davits.

Wheels 25 journaled on the lower extensions ofithe davitsengage the under side of the tracks the hooks26;pass around the sheaves or pulleys- 32 to the winding reel 34 operated by motor36.

Acontrol box 38 is located above the platform Monwhich the ship's ofiicer stands and'the ob servations window 42 is so positioned-that the ofiicer may watch the lowering and .control the operationof-th motor and lowering mechanism;

When it is desired to lower or launch the boat, the reel is unwound releasing the lines to the boat hooks 26 and the lines passing around the sheaves permit the movement of the davits. The davits roll downward on the inclined tracks following the lower downward curves of the tracks whereupon the davits are pivotally swung outward carrying the boat out from its protected shelter within the hull through the port 6 and exterior of the hull.

Continued unwinding of the reel will allow the lines to further lower the boat to the water level. Reverse operation of the motor and reel will ship the boat from the water level and as the boat hooks reach the outer ends of the davits, the davits will be swung in and will then roll up the inclined tracks.

By the use of my invention, the life boats will be always accessible within the confines of the hull of the ship and the boats will be protected from the weather. Passengers also will be protected and many elements leadin toward panic will be avoided and eliminated. By the use of a plexiglas or other cover over the lifeboat itself or parts of it, the passengers may be at all times protected from the weather. Furthermore, in the case of warships and ships serving war duty, protection can be afforded against ballistic and atomic damage, with or without slight modification such as addition of doors or covers over the ports.

In Figures 4, 5, and 6, I have shown a modification of the position of the boat and the launching mechanism wherein the boat may be suspended substantially flush with the boat deck l2 as in Figures 4 and 5, or located below the boat deck as seen in Figure 6.

In addition to the operating structure employed in the above description of the operation and structure of the boat launching device I provide hooks 46 pivotally mounted in the deck supports and formed with actuating handles 48, or other means of actuation, either automatic or remote control. These hooks are detachably en- 3 gaged with the lugs 50 on the opposite sides of the boat to prevent swinging of the boat with relation to the deck in rough seas. Manipulation of the handles will release the hooks from the lugs and permit the launching of the boats as described above.

In Figure 6 in addition to the above described operation the tracks 20 are located below the deck surface and the steps 52 depending from the deck lead to the boat from each side permitting access thereto. A cover or hatch 54 fits snugly into the opening on the deck to permit the full use of the deck as when used as a promenade and this cover may be quickly and easily" ship hull for lowering and launching said life boat through the port of the hull, a deck extending over the lifeboat, a hatch in the deck above the lifeboat afiording an unobstructed deck, steps leading to the lifeboat from the deck, and detachable hooks pivotally mounted on the steps and engaging the lifeboat to prevent relative movement laterally of the lifeboat with relation to the ship-hull.

2. The combination with a ship hull having a port and a life boat, of means interiorly of the ship hull for lowering and launching said life boat through the port of the hull, a deck extending over the life boat, a hatch in the deck above the life boat affording an unobstructed deck, steps leading to the life boat from the deck,

' and means on' the steps and engaging the life handling arrangements, such as the sheltered davit installation hereinbefore described; can safely be used without danger of interference from any list and rapid sinking of the vessel in ordinary peace time service. Maximum compartmentation and best conditions tending to elimination of list in any damaged condition should be obtained when using this type of equipment installation. 7

Having thus fully described my invention, what I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

1. The combination with a ship hull having a port and a life boat, of means interiorly of the boat to prevent relative movement laterally of the life boat with relation to the ship hull.

CHARLES W. DOHN.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 1,133,700 Basile Mar. 30, 1915 1,191,410 Erickson July 18, 1916 2,028,513 Marten Jan. 21, 1936 

